We lift up your daughter and son-in-law before the Lord, knowing that He deeply cares for their spiritual well-being and the challenges they face in this season. It is clear that your daughter has a foundation in Christ, but as she navigates this new chapter of marriage and transition, she is struggling to remain rooted in a community of believers. Her husband’s lack of spiritual leadership is concerning, especially since Scripture calls men to lead their families in faith, just as Christ leads the church. Ephesians 5:23 tells us, *"For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the savior of the body."* His reluctance to prioritize church attendance and spiritual growth is not only hindering his own walk with the Lord but also impacting your daughter’s faith and emotional well-being. This is a serious matter, as a husband’s leadership—or lack thereof—can either strengthen or weaken the spiritual health of his home.
We also recognize the isolation and depression your daughter is experiencing. Moving to a new city, being without a job, and living with in-laws can create immense stress, and the enemy often uses such seasons to discourage believers from seeking fellowship. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, *"Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."* Your daughter’s desire to attend church is godly, but her hesitation to go alone reveals a need for courage and conviction. While it is good for a husband and wife to worship together, she must also understand that her personal relationship with Christ cannot be dependent on her husband’s choices. She should be encouraged to seek the Lord boldly, even if it means attending church alone for a time. Proverbs 31:30 says, *"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised."* Her fear of the Lord must take precedence over her fear of going alone.
As for your son-in-law, we pray earnestly for his salvation if he has not truly surrendered to Christ. Many grow up in church without ever experiencing genuine repentance and faith. James 2:19 warns, *"You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe—and shudder."* Simply having head knowledge of God is not enough; he must have a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. If he is a believer but has grown lukewarm, we pray for conviction and revival in his life. Revelation 3:15-16 says, *"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth."* Lukewarmness is dangerous, and we ask the Lord to stir his heart to repentance and a passionate pursuit of Christ.
We also address the issue of living with his parents, which, while sometimes necessary, can create additional strains on a marriage if not approached with wisdom and boundaries. Genesis 2:24 says, *"Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh."* Even in this temporary season, they must guard their unity and ensure that their marriage remains their first priority after their relationship with Christ. Pray that the Lord would provide them with their own home soon and that this time with his parents would not become a source of division or unhealthy dependence.
Lastly, we notice that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus, and we gently remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. John 14:6 declares, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"* And Acts 4:12 affirms, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* We must always approach the throne of God in the name of Jesus, for He is our Mediator and the only source of our hope.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this daughter and her husband. Lord, we ask that You would draw them both closer to Yourself in this season of transition and trial. For our sister, we pray that You would strengthen her faith and give her the courage to seek fellowship with believers, even if she must go alone for a time. Remove the spirit of fear and isolation that has taken hold of her, and fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Provide her with godly friends in this new city, and open doors for her to serve and be encouraged in a local church. Remind her that her worth and identity are found in You alone, and that her joy is not dependent on her circumstances but on Your unfailing love.
For her husband, Lord, we cry out for his salvation if he has not yet surrendered to You. Soften his heart, Lord, and reveal to him the urgency of his need for You. If he is a believer who has grown cold, convict him deeply and restore his first love for You. Raise him up as the spiritual leader of his home, that he may lead his wife in prayer, in the Word, and in faithful attendance to Your house. Give him a hunger for righteousness and a desire to honor You in all he does. Break the chains of distraction and busyness that have kept him from prioritizing You, and let him see the eternal significance of his role as a husband.
Father, we also ask for Your provision in their practical needs. Provide them with their own home soon, that they may establish a godly household centered on You. Give them wisdom in their finances and unity in their decisions. Protect their marriage from the strains of this season, and let their time with his parents be one of growth rather than conflict.
We rebuke the spirits of depression, anxiety, and discouragement that have sought to weigh them down. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we command these spirits to flee in the name of Jesus. Fill them instead with Your hope, Your joy, and Your strength. Let them see this season as an opportunity to trust You more deeply and to rely on Your faithfulness.
Lord, we ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus, knowing that You hear us and that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. May Your will be done in their lives, and may they both come to know You more intimately through this time. We thank You for Your goodness and Your mercy, which endure forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.